WEST NORRITON — Theresa Simonds looks to support families that have lost loved ones, as well as families with loved ones in the armed forces, with her creation, the Comfort Doll.

The therapeutic doll gives families an outlet through which to express their emotions while they mourn the loss or await the return of their loved ones.

The doll may be customized, with options for different color camouflage uniforms as well as other outfits, dog tags, or any other personal specifications the online merchant can choose.

Simonds credits her inspiration to the life of Michael Strange of Philadelphia, one of 30 Navy SEALs who died in Afghanistan in August 2011, when the Taliban attacked their helicopter.

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Simonds was moved by his story, and heartbroken for Strange’s fiancée, who was reportedly pregnant.

“I never knew but just from the news of his death, I was inspired,” Simonds said. “He was a Navy SEAL who lived right behind me, his fiancée was pregnant at the time of his death, and I couldn’t stop thinking about his child.”

This inspiration led her to seek to aid all families in need, not just military families.

“The Comfort Doll line can be made to represent many different heroes — law enforcers, firefighters, moms, dads, siblings, teachers, coaches, EMTs, doctors, nurses, service rescue dogs, beloved companions, and more,” Simonds said.

Donna Hardiman, a supporter of the Simond’s efforts, believes this product could be imperative to many families who have lost loved ones.

“This is a sorely needed product,” said Hardiman who lost her husband in 2008 and her son in April.

Simonds acknowledges the emotionality of her product.

“It’s very emotional, the whole idea of the doll is to comfort a person in need, a child or adult, to see that take the place of a father is very emotional to see that pass on.”

Simonds considers this her way of giving back.

“ I’m doing this for our soldiers, by way of helping the families of soldiers, especially the women who have lost their loved ones or are waiting for them to come home. That includes everybody.”